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What to wear to a Chinese wedding?

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Shanghai Expat Forum Index » Community Discussion Forums » Chinese Culture Discussions

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mcpmic

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Joined: May 16, 2007
Posts: 23

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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 10:11 AM
Post subject: What to wear to a Chinese wedding?

Hi all,

Wondering if any of could give me some advice. I just been invited to my husband's secretary's wedding this Saturday.

She is Chinese but not sure how traditional her wedding is going to be.
Can any one advised me on what is suitable (or more importantly NOT suitable) to wear.

I know white is a no no but what about black?

We are the only foreigners to be invited and would hate to wear anything that could possibly offend.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Karu

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Joined: June 27, 2005
Posts: 298

Status: Offline

Posted: May 13, 2008 - 10:18 AM

Take it easy. Wear casual, ordinary day.
Basically you will arrive at 6pm, take a seat at 7pm latest, then there will be a 10 minute speech maximum, the couple will come and go with a few different clothes while folk will be eating. At 9pm party will be over and everybody will get back home.
No need to spend extra money to get dressed, you'll be disappointed.

Rachelfriend

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Joined: Feb 27, 2007
Posts: 227

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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 10:49 AM

after all, it isn't your wedding. just wear normal clothes is okay. unless you want to attract the other's attention.

njd

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Joined: Feb 28, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 11:07 AM

Normal clothes may be ok, but I have heard from some Chinese that black clothing at a wedding, aside from a tux or suit ofcourse, brings bad luck to the couple. I have no idea how common this belief is. Just to be safe, I would stay away from black.

monalisalee

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Joined: May 10, 2005
Posts: 613
Location: Shanghai
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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 11:49 AM

Yes, I wanted to frame a large childhood photo of mine with a black frame. My chinese wife would not let me, so settled for dark brown, which is acceptable. Black can mean death here. Sorry, a bit off the subject there, but black would be a bad choice for a wedding. Neat, tidy street clothes should be fine. Happy colours should be O.K.

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johnboy88

angelgirl

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Joined: Aug 22, 2007
Posts: 289

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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 12:01 PM

Hahaha! A tux or a suit?? You can wear a track suit (preferably Adidas style with stripes on the side) with white socks and dress shoes and you will fit right in. Add something frilly and you will definitely look like a local Smile

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angelgirl

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Joined: Aug 22, 2007
Posts: 289

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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 12:03 PM

oops, sorry, make sure your socks are a bit off white, to make sure you don't bring any bad luck

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happyck

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Joined: July 11, 2006
Posts: 265

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Posted: May 13, 2008 - 12:51 PM

Wear:
Something nice but not too dressy, Chinese weddings are more casual.

Do NOT wear:
-full black outfit - color of mourning
-full white outfit - color of mourning in certain areas of China, unless you are getting married
-prom-like dresses
-anything too extravagent -its not your wedding
-track suit
-shorts and runners
-mom jeans
-birthday suit

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